News Blog @ Wellington City Libraries

The latest travel books see destinations as diverse as Albania and Antarctica, New England and Naples. After deciding on the destination, pick a hotel from another recent book that profiles the best from across the globe.

Sea fever : from first date to first mate / Angela Meyer.
“How is it that someone who gets seasick and loves her two showers a day attempted to sail across the Pacific in a small yacht with her new husband and baby? It can be summed up in two words. Love. Adventure. Yep, there is the love of adventure, which is pretty self explanatory. And then there is love with a capital L, which needs a little more explaining. In Mrs Blacksmith’s (aka Angela Meyer) words: ‘I should have known that a life on the high seas was on the cards when our wedding cake featured a cut out of a sailing ship. The old sea dog had spent 6 years circumnavigating the wild waters of NZ.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Albania : the Bradt travel guide / Gillian Gloyer.Albania
“Albania’s unspoilt mountain scenery, cultural sites and beaches make it increasingly popular. This affectionate guide covers the length and breadth of the country, discovering remote villages and out-of-the-way towns. It features detailed information on wildlife, national parks, hiking routes, beaches, and the main archaeological sites and Byzantine art. 2012 marks the centenary of Albania’s independence from the Ottoman Empire and is likely to be marked by several major events.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

King Peggy : an American secretary, her royal destiny, and the inspiring story of how she changed an African village / Peggielene Bartels and Eleanor Herman.King Peggy: An American Secretary, Her Royal Destiny, and the Inspiring Story of How She Changed an African Village
“Bartels was a native of Ghana living in the U.S., working as secretary to the Ghanaian embassy, when a relative called to give her startling news. Following the death of her uncle, a village king, the council of elders had determined that she would be his successor. Bartels, who’d come to the U.S. to study and had become a U.S. citizen, hadn’t been home since the death of her mother. But she accepted the daunting prospect with determination and brio.” – (adapted from Booklist summary)

Naples declared : a walk around the bay / Benjamin Taylor.
“It is a city of seemingly irreconcilable opposites, simultaneously glorious and ghastly. And it is Ben Taylor’s remarkable ability to meld these contradictions into a whole that makes this the exciting and original book it is. He takes his stroll around the bay with the acute sensitivity of a lover, the good humor of a friend, and the wisdom of a seeker who has immersed himself in all aspects of this contrapuntal culture. His curiosity leads him to many byways, both real and metaphoric, and his passion for this ancient city and its people becomes, in his graceful prose and amusing anecdotes, irresistibly contagious.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

The world’s greatest hotels / [editor, Jennifer Miranda].
“Millions of travelers turn to Travel + Leisure as their source of information and inspiration. Each year, the magazine’s editors distill their coverage into an expertly vetted guide to the most memorable accommodations around the globe.” – (from Book jacket)

Frommer’s New Zealand / by Adrienne Rewi.
“Insider advice from a New Zealand resident on how to experience one of the world’s most exciting ecotourism destinations! …Where to find the most thrilling adrenaline-pumping adventures, from bungy jumping to Zorbing; the best New Zealand cuisine, such as sumptuous green-lipped mussels and succulent lamb; and the best nightlife options in Auckland and Wellington. Insightful commentary on Maori cultural traditions and tourism in the wake of the devestating February 2011 Christchurch earthquake.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Turkey / main contributor, Suzanne Swan.
“Packed with color photographs, illustrations and detailed maps discover Turkey region by region; from the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar and Blue Mosque of Istanbul to the famous Roman remains at Ephesus. Eyewitness Travel Guide: Turkey provides tips every visitor needs, from the invigorating outdoor activities on offer in the Black Sea area to shopping for carpets, with comprehensive listings of the best hotels, resorts, restaurants, shops, and nightlife in each region for all budgets. There are 3D cutaways and floor-plans of all the must-see sites plus street-by-street maps of all the major Turkish cities and towns. With up-to-date information on getting around by train, tram, bus, car and foot and all the sights, beaches, markets and festivals listed town by town.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Budapest : city guide / Adrian Phillips, Jo Scotchmer & Monika Philips.Budapest
“Budapest has it all: spectacular architecture, award-winning cultural festivals, Michelin-starred restaurants, historic thermal baths, and business-friendly hotels. The authors are winners of the British Guild of Travel Writers Best Guidebook Award and share their enthusiasm for the city in an engaging and witty style.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

The rough guide to New England / written and researched by Sarah Hull and Stephen Keeling.
“The Rough Guide to New England” is the ultimate travel guide to this compellingly historic region, packed with comprehensive coverage of every attraction. Honest, accurate reviews, detailed practical information, new top 5 lists, insider tips and illuminating photographs throughout will ensure that your visit is a truly memorable one. Discover New England’s highlights with in-depth accounts on everything from apple picking and beachcombing to Yankee cooking and zip lines. Hike the Appalachian Trail, or meander down country roads amid autumn foliage; savour New England’s best clam chowder, regional beer and blueberry pie; spot a lighthouse, or even a whale; and, walk in the footsteps of revolutionaries.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Antarctica : an intimate portrait of the world’s most mysterious continent / Gabrielle Walker.
“This is a full and intimate portrait of the most mysterious continent on earth, and how it holds the key to all our futures.” – (adapted from Syndetics summary)